Murray also won the famous prize in 2013 and 2015 and last week was named the sportsman of the year by the Sports Journalists' Association at their annual ceremony.

This year he polled 247,419 votes to finish ahead of fellow Olympic champions, triathlete Alistair Brownlee and show jumper Nick Skelton, who picked up 121,665 and 109,197 votes respectively.

“It means so much but my wife said she voted for Nick Skelton, which isn’t very sensible so close to Christmas,” joked Murray, who received his prize from former winner Lennox Lewis at his team training camp in Miami.

“It’s been an amazing year for British sport and I’m so proud to be a part of it. It’s obviously been the best year of my career.

“Winning Wimbledon a second time after losing a lot of big finals was really important for my confidence, the Olympics was amazing again and to finish the year as world number one was something I never expected to do.

"I'd like to thank everyone who voted. I really appreciate all of your support

"I'd obviously like to thank my team. They make a lot of sacrifices for me. They spend time away from their families at times of the year like this and I really appreciate all of your support.

"I'd like to thank my family as well. I think my mum's in the crowd there - thanks for all of your help. My dad just got married 10 days ago. I miss you guys.

"I'd also like to say a huge thanks to my wife for all of her support over the years. And also my daughter who won't know what this means yet but maybe in a few years she'll appreciate it.”

You know it's been a good night when you're eating crumpets at 4:30am and @clarebalding has been added to the team what's app group! #SPOTY

Elsewhere, Leicester City’s remarkable Premier League winning season was honoured with the Team of the Year prize, while their manager, Claudio Ranieri, was named Coach of the Year.

American swimmer Michael Phelps won the lifetime achievement award after capping his
career with five Olympic golds in Rio, while US gymnast Simone Biles, who won four gold medals and a bronze at the Rio Olympics, was the overseas winner.